After months apart and a journey across continents, a U.S. soldier reunites with her rescued dog—before greeting her husband.
“This American soldier was so excited to be reunited with the dog she rescued, it took her a minute to actually greet her patiently waiting husband.”
It’s not every day you see someone bypass their spouse at the airport—but that’s exactly what happened at Tampa Bay International Airport in 2018. For U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Tracy McKithern, the long-anticipated reunion with her rescue dog, Erby, was an emotional moment months—and thousands of miles—in the making.
“She loved everyone,” said McKithern. “She is the sweetest little soul. She came up to me immediately, probably hungry, but gentle. I think she was looking for love more than anything else.”
Back in 2017, while deployed in Erbil, Iraq, McKithern first met the emaciated puppy and her mother wandering near the base. The dogs had clearly been neglected and were searching for food. But what stood out to McKithern was not just the dog’s need—but her spirit.
The soldiers, including those from Italian and German units stationed with McKithern, began feeding and caring for the dogs. The little pup quickly became a staple at the base—always waiting faithfully for their return from missions.
McKithern named her “Erby” after the city where their bond began. When her deployment neared its end, she couldn’t imagine leaving Erby behind. She posted a heartfelt photo on social media:
“I wish I could take her home.”
The internet answered that wish.
Friends, family, and total strangers raised over $3,500 through the Puppy Rescue Mission to fund Erby’s journey to the U.S. With help from her comrades overseas, the logistics were coordinated and vaccinations completed. But just as Erby arrived at JFK Airport, McKithern was sent on a two-month assignment to Wisconsin.
Two months later, that magical airport reunion finally happened.
“I can’t believe it,” said McKithern. “It feels like a miracle is happening.”
And it truly was.
While Erby’s mom remains in Iraq under the care of soldiers, McKithern remains hopeful that she too will find a forever home in the States.
This story reminds us that love—especially the unconditional love between a soldier and a dog—transcends borders, deployments, and even time. Sgt. McKithern’s compassion in the middle of a war zone, and the global effort that followed, show just how powerful kindness can be. In a world that often focuses on conflict, it’s stories like these that remind us of the bonds that make us truly human
Source:
- https://youtu.be/bDb01PoIro4?si=zSiAL9C35cwjSqZ1
- https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/watch-soldiers-emotional-reunion-with-dog-she-rescued-from-iraq-seven-months-ago/
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
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